Posted by Tom Mc on Monday, 8 November 2010, at 5:56 p.m., in response to Re: Custer Carbines, posted by Dick Hosmer on Monday, 8 November 2010, at 5:19 p.m.

Gentlemen All, This could not have been a better time because of your discussion on the SN range issued to the 7th along with other units in the area. My question is what SN range did the M79 start? I ask because I am looking at a mid range 3XXXX Sn. the weapon has the M79 rear sight but this could have been changed some time in the past. The stock was sandpapered also but in the right light I bet you might be able to get any markings. If I am correct the production data SN shows it was manufactured around the 1874 time period if you go by the amount of weapons being produced each year. From what I have seen the 4th and 5th were issued most of these weapons but from what Bill M is saying there is a chance that up to the 43000 range weapons were in the hands of the 7th. I have a '84 rifle and have taken it out and shot a "2 group at 450yrds. using 50 grains of FFG AP. Anway it's great to see so much traffic on this great weapon of the Cav. By the way I support the 1st Cav here at Ft. Hood.